Cold spell continues in central Victoria with snow falling on Mount Macedon, Kyneton | Photos, Video

Snow that fell in central Victorian regions over the weekend is expected to melt away this morning and be gone by the afternoon.

Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Richard Russell said sunshine is expected in parts of the region today.

"Bendigo is heading for 13 degrees today and is generally sunny so by this afternoon that snow will have disappeared," he said.

"The cold air from the weekend is moving away now and it is slowly warming."

Today's weather conditions are expected stay the same for the rest of the week.

"Things have stabilised quickly," Mr Russell said. "Already we are seeing less shower activity north of the divide. The week looks like it will be fine with partly cloudy conditions.

"There will probably be some showers next weekend but it won't be the same as the cold outbreak we had (at the weekend)."

VicRoads said roads that were closed due tot he weekend's snow - including Cameron Drive on Mount Macedon - have re-opened.

Sunday, 6.30pm

CENTRAL Victoria has experienced the most wide ranging snowfall in more than a decade, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

While the bureau does not keep snow records, duty forecaster Dean Stewart said 2008 was the last time a similar weather system crossed through the state.

"We tend to get snow at these kinds of levels every couple of years but not as extensive as this year," Mr Stewart said.

"On Sunday morning, a large portion of Victoria experienced snow. It was definitely a little bit more than usual. The last time it happened was in 2008."

There are still roads closed on Mount Macedon, with Cameron Drive, Barringo Road and Lions Head Road blocked off due to low visibility and hazardous road conditions.

2.50pm

CAMERON Drive on Mount Macedon has been closed due to poor weather conditions.

VicRoads has urged drivers to follow the directions of Victoria Police.

1.00pm

MOUNT Macedon Road has been reopened following heavy snowfall this morning.

VicRoads said drivers should still slow down and drive carefully as the road may still be slippery.

11.45am

VICROADS are urging drivers to take extra care on central Victorian roads as heavy snow blankets parts of the state.

Mount Macedon Road has been closed due to heavy snow and ice and will only be reopened when it is safe for drivers, VicRoads said.

Black Ice has also been detected on parts of the Calder Freeway and Macedon-Woodend Road.

VicRoads said those heading to mountainous areas should drive with extreme care.

Those who encounter snow should drive with two hands on the wheel and steady pressure on the accelerator.

Top of the Ranges Tearoom owner Luke Chapman said it stopped snowing on Mount Macedon about two hours ago, but there was still a heavy blanket of snow that was not melting.

"We've got a lot of snow cover," he said. "It's as deep as 10 centimetres in some parts.

"I've owned the place for eight years and this is the best I've seen it. It's currently 1.8 degrees outside but it got as low as -1 at 5am.

"It's very exciting but because all of the roads are closed, I'm up here pretty much by myself. "

The Mount Macedon Volunteer Fire Brigade have been providing heating, blankets and hot drinks for those stuck on the mountain.

"Snow had been falling since about 10pm last night," the brigade's community safety coordinator Nicky Haslinghouse said.

"It seems that about 7.30 this morning the snow started to come down really heavy.

"We have a situation where there's snow and ice on the roads and it's difficult for all cars."

The Brigade encouraged the public to head the warnings of VicRoads and Victoria Police.

"It is best to avoid the roads for the moment and be realistic about your car's capability," Ms Haslinghouse said.

10.15am

MOUNT Macedon Road has been closed to the public due to thick snow.

Multiple cars have lost control and left the road, the VicTraffic website said.

The road will open once conditions improve.

The Mount Macedon Volunteer Fire Brigade are providing heating, blankets and hot drinks for those stuck on the mountain.

EARLIER

PARTS of the Calder Freeway near Kyneton have been covered in snow.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the snow level was down to about 450 metres overnight.

"There has been significant snow falls on the mountains this weekend," bureau duty forecaster Chris Arvier said. "We had continuing precipitation with the cold southerly air.

"So with the persistent showers and the snow level being so low, it means we're getting snow on the ground in parts of Victoria that don't always see snow.

"The Macedon Ranges, Kyneton and Ballarat have all seen some significant snowfall."

Read more: Heavy snow on Mount Macedon as Victorian cold snap continues

Snow falls in lower parts of Victoria every few years, Mr Arvier said.

"It's reasonably unusual but not unprecedented," he said. "It has been a very significant weather system but certainly the situation is easing.

"The low pressure system is moving out to the Tasman Sea and further away from Australia. The snow level will rise to 900 metres this afternoon so the snow should ease up in lower parts of Victoria.

"Showers will continue this afternoon and into this morning, but winds are easing."

But the cool temperatures were expected to continue into Monday.

"We will still get some low temperatures over night, with the wind chill factor dropping the temperature to 9 or 10 degrees in Bendigo tomorrow," Mr Arvier said.

VicRoads has put a warning on their website, advising drivers to slow down and drive carefully in the icy conditions.

Anyone driving in the snow or ice should carry chains and fit them if required, the website said.

The SES has also urged people to reduce speed, maintain a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and take extra care in observing signs.

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